New Chinese Rules Expand Government Control over Citizen Travel

China has introduced new travel regulations that significantly expand the state's ability to restrict the movement of its citizens. According to the rules, which took effect this week, individuals who are judged to have compromised national security or interests while abroad may face exit bans of up to three years upon their return. The measures also target those who violate regulations regarding the import and export of technology, citing risks to industrial and technological security.

The Chinese government maintains that these provisions are necessary to safeguard sovereignty and prevent illegal activities such as fraud and gambling overseas. Officials deny that the rules impact ordinary travelers, describing them as preventative measures against high-risk destinations. However, international observers and legal experts argue that the new framework provides additional tools for Beijing to exert pressure on nationals who engage in political advocacy or criticize the government abroad.

Legal Experts Question Government Intent

Professor Tom Kellogg, Executive Director of the Center for Asian Law at Georgetown University, told BBC World that the regulations serve as another mechanism to control what Chinese citizens do and say outside the country. He noted that state security authorities have previously refused to issue passports to individuals to prevent them from criticizing the government or engaging in rights advocacy. This perspective aligns with broader concerns about the increasing use of administrative power to silence dissent.

Citizens Face Uncertain Travel Restrictions

For many individuals, the application of these restrictions remains opaque. One 26-year-old citizen, who wished to be identified only as Pipi, reported that his passport application was rejected in 2023. He believes the decision was linked to his participation in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and subsequent media interviews. An immigration official allegedly told him he could not receive a passport due to the Hong Kong situation, but no written explanation was provided.

Pipi stated that he feared escalating the matter would lead to imprisonment, leaving him uncertain if he would ever be able to leave the country. This lack of transparency is a common theme among those affected. Currently, Chinese citizens cannot independently verify if they are subject to exit controls. Often, individuals only discover their restricted status when they attempt to apply for travel documents or depart the country, leaving them without a clear avenue for appeal.

Rising Data on Exit Bans

Data provided to the BBC by the rights group Safeguard Defenders indicates a sharp increase in exit bans in recent years. Publicly available court records show that while only 89 mentions of exit bans appeared in 2016, the figure rose to over 188,000 by last year. This surge suggests a significant expansion in the use of these administrative tools. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration authorities did not respond to enquiries regarding the implementation of these new rules.